Jim O'Callaghan
Question:130. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated annual cost of a scheme (details supplied). [40868/24]
View answerThursday, 10 October 2024
Questions (130)
Written answers
The Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and wellbeing was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions.
Further, the project created very strong working relationships and policy understanding between my Department, SEAI and other Government Departments and agencies which were reflected in the practical and effective implementation structures used, ensuring ‘cross Government cooperation’. These relationships have supported the development of the Energy Poverty Action Plan and the establishment of the Energy Poverty Steering Group.
The scheme was also featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
The final report for the Scheme was published by Government on the 18 July 2024 and can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/191db-warmth-and-wellbeing-scheme/.
Key elements of the pilot project have been mainstreamed into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the beneficiaries at the forefront of the process. Therefore, there are no plans to reinstate the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot as a standalone scheme.
Budget 2025 includes record funding of €469 million from the Carbon Tax for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme. The carbon tax funding will be supplemented by an increased allocation from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that will increase the Warmer Homes Scheme budget to €240 million. The budget represents a 10-fold increase over the spend on the Warmer Homes Scheme during the first year of this Government.